The Northeast gets a terrific derby title fight on October 19 when Sunderland’s Kirk Goodings takes on Middlesbrough’s Paul Truscott for the English lightweight crown at the Rainton Meadows Arena.

Truscott (pictured) is the former Commonwealth featherweight champion, and British super-featherweight title challenger, who needs a career-lifting victory after suffering a TKO defeat last time out against hard-hitting Richard Commey in July.

Goodings has just one defeat in 10 outings, a late-substitute points loss to Steve Williams in a British Masters light-welterweight challenge, and is seeing the Truscott fight as the perfect opportunity to springboard his career.

“This is the hardest fight of my career. Paul is a very good and tough opponent,” stated Goodings. “But this is my time to shine, this is what I train for and I am not losing this opportunity. Winning the English title will be amazing as it leads on to other titles and will really propel my career.”

Promoter Phil Jeffries recently stated he only wants 50-50 fights on his Pro Box North East shows and this headliner fits that mould. With 23-fight Truscott the more experienced, but Goodings the fresher man, it is hard to split the pair and the contest shouldn’t fail to be a quality affair.

“There’s excitement there for definite with it being a Northeast derby, it definitely adds to the tension,” said Kirk. “I’m very confident of winning and I wouldn’t be in this fight otherwise. I have a lot of respect for Paul and I look forward to us getting the gloves on.”

“I’m delighted to have made this match,” explained Jeffries. “Credit to both lads for taking it. I really can’t pick a winner, I think it’s that close, and I’m absolutely positive this could be a fight of the year contender. Paul is known for being very game and skilful, but Kirk is very strong and will give it everything.”

The rest of the Rainton Meadows card will feature some of the best unbeaten fighters from the region including Easington’s Paul Archer; South Shields’ Anthony Nelson; Sunderland’s Jonson McClumpha; Hartlepool’s Callum Winton and Mick Hadfield, and Horden’s Anthony Hardy. Also appearing will be Edinburgh’s John McCallum.

Tickets are available from all boxers or by calling 0774 611 020.

Kirk Goodings would like to thank his sponsors, Alldec Northern Ltd and Thoburn Fruit and Veg, as well as Grapplefit’s Barry Gibson and Sean Casey of BO’s Boxing.